Internationale groepsreis Cycling Indonesia's Islands

Those making their own way to Bali can arrive at any time on the first day. Those on the scheduled group flights normally arrive in Ubud during the afternoon.The bustling town of Ubud is Bali’s cultural heartland set amongst the hills and rice paddies of the island’s interior. This afternoon there will be time to relax and explore the town's temples, shops and cafes though we will go through the bike fitting to make sure all is in order before we start riding tomorrow. There will be a briefing this evening with your leader about the trip.Sri Ratih Cottages / Ananda Cottages or similar

We have our first ride today as we explore the area north of Ubud across rice fields, villages and temples. After arriving to the Tampaksiring Village area, we explore Tirta Empul, a temple known for its sacred waters where Balinese come to bathe at least once a year in a ritual of cleansing dedicated to Vishnu.The final leg will take us along back roads to the lesser-known temple of Pengukur-Ukur where we can enjoy a refreshment before returning to Ubud. Sri Ratih Cottages / Ananda Cottages or similar

Starting with a ride along the rice terraces we continue by slowly climbing up the road to the Kintamani Plantations area and beyond to the crater rim of Batur Volcano. This is a tough climb so after about 20kms we regroup for an extra briefing about the steep climb. If the steep climb is too challenging this is a good place to jump in the support vehicle up to the restaurant where we have lunch. Weather permitting we get stunning views of one of Bali’s bigger volcanic lakes. After lunch we have a short, sharp descent to the base of the volcano where our hotel is located. From here you have the option to relax at the hotel or spend the afternoon cycling off road on narrow, sandy trails. The final part of the trail crosses the most recent lava field and there is ample opportunity to get up close to the volcano and the strange moonscapes it has created. Segara Hotel or similar

After a short transfer to the western rim of Batur’s caldera we start our day’s cycling up and down hills along small roads, crossing villages and plantations towards Bali’s northwest coast. As we cycle through the villages of Bondalem, Tianyar and Kubu we observe the everyday life of local people. From here we enjoy a refreshment on the beach before continuing along flat roads to Ponjok Batu, a temple complex built of black stone, facing the ocean. We finally pass through Singaraja town before reaching our destination in the Lovina. From here it’s a short transfer to our hotel in Bedugul. Strawberry Hill Hotel / CLV Hotel & Villa or similar

Our day starts with a short ride up to ‘Monkey Forest’ (it is possible to have a transfer to the top of the hill). From here we enjoy the view of the twin lake before continuing downhill for the rest of the day with stunning views across Bali’s north coast. We visit Bali’s only Buddhist monastery, Bhrama Arama Vihara and the nearby Banjar Hot Springs where we can spend some time relaxing in the open air pools. After lunch we cycle along the coast to our beach-front hotel in Pemuteran. The rest of the day is free. Adi Assri Beach Cottage / Naya Gawana Resort or similar

After an optional cycle or short transfer to Labuan Luang harbour we board a local boat and head for Menjangan Island. Meaning ‘Deer Island’, Pulau Menjangan is within the marine reserve of Bali Barat National Park and is renowned for its coral gardens and tropical fish. There is the opportunity to go snorkelling as well as the option to go diving (at an extra cost). After lunch we can freshen up before transferring to Gilimanuk Harbour where we catch the ferry across to Ketapang Harbour in Java. From here it’s about a 3 hour drive to Bondowoso. Ijen View hotel or similar

Today is definitely the most challenging day as we cycle up the slopes of Ijen Volcano gaining around 1,500m in elevation. Our route starts gently along flat asphalt until we reach the base of the volcano and start climbing through coffee plantations along some steep sections on partially-broken asphalt roads. We will take our time on this climb, enjoying the scenery and will be having a light lunch en route. We will regroup after about 20kms before the steepest part of the climb. Those who feel this next section may be too strenuous may want to jump in the support vehicle for this section as it is definitely harder than normal for a moderately graded trip. Of course it is possible to attempt the climb and still join the support vehicle a little way further up if needed. The support vehicle will be available at any time if the cycling becomes too strenuous. On the way we stop to visit one of Indonesia’s largest coffee plantations before eventually ending our ride in the remote village of Jampit Catimor. Here we will be spending the night in a local homestay with basic amenities located within a colonial building on a coffee plantation. Jampit Catimor Homestay

Getting up very early, whilst still dark, we trek to the top of Ijen crater along a wide, packed-dirt 3kms long path. At the top is a large crater lake surrounded by sulphur mines and, as we hike in the dark, we should be able to see the blue fire created by the hot sulphur seeping out of the crater.After sunrise we have time to enjoy views of the lake which is 200m deep and is filled with steaming, acidic water. We should also witness local miners as they collect and carry sulphur blocks weighing up to 70kgs out of the crater. Please note that poor trail conditions and toxic fumes means that it is too dangerous to climb down into the crater.After returning to camp we get back on the bikes and ride down to our hotel in Ketapang in time for lunch. The afternoon is free to relax after the very early start this morning. Ketapang Indah Hotel or similar

Following a transfer to the start of today’s bike ride we get on the saddle and head into the jungle. Our trail through the rainforest is about 10km long and eventually gives way to an asphalt/broken surface through coffee, cacao and rubber plantations.We continue to Rajewesi Beach, the gateway to Meru Betiri National Park. The beach is a fisherman village where we can see locals disembarking the day’s catch.Tonight we camp on the beach, camping equipment (tents, mats, sleeping bags) is included and there is a basic block with toilets and cold showers. Camping

On our final day of cycling we continue along jungle trails following the coast towards Pulau Merah. Along the way we visit Green Bay with views of another hidden beach in east Java. Today's final ride is mostly on flat elevation with few rolling hills.We should arrive at Pulau Merah around lunch time where the early afternoon is free to explore the village, go for a swim or just relax before transferring (approx. 2 hours) to our hotel in Ketapang where we will spend our last night on Java.Ketapang Indah Hotel or similar

After a relaxed start to the morning, we drive 15 minutes back to Ketapang Harbour in time for our ferry (30-45 minutes) to Gilimanuk on the island of Bali. From here it is about a 4 hours drive (with a stop for lunch along the way) to Canggu where we spend the next two nights.Grand Balisani Suites or similar

Canggu is a popular stretch of beach along the south coast of Bali and a great place to relax after 10 days cycling up and down volcanoes and through jungles and plantations.The day is free to relax or explore the area around Canggu and Seminyak, take part in optional activities or go out on the water.Grand Balisani Suites or similar

Trip ends this morning after breakfast. Those on the group flights will be taken to the airport in Denpasar in time for their flight home.